This Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken recipe is a game changer! It allows you to set the crockpot in the morning and come home to perfectly tender, shredded chicken ready to be used in all of your favorite recipes that call for rotisserie chicken. It’s so easy, incredibly versatile, and delivers fall-apart tender chicken every time.

Looking for recipes to use your shredded chicken in? Check out my Simple Sophisticated Chicken Salad!

Slow cooker shredded chicken is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Simply toss boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker with water and a sprinkle of seasonings. Set it on low and forget about it until dinner time! The chicken will slowly simmer in its own juices, resulting in perfectly tender and flavorful shredded chicken. When you’re ready to eat, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker. The leftover juices in the pot are pure gold – use them to add moisture to your shredded chicken or to create a flavorful base for soups, stews, or sauces.

I really think the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The simple base of chicken and water allows you to customize the flavor profile in endless ways, just by swapping out the seasonings. Want a taste of the tropics? Add a can of diced pineapple chunks and a splash of soy sauce during the cooking process. Craving a smoky BBQ twist? Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce after shredding the chicken. No matter your flavor preferences, this slow cooker shredded chicken is a must make for creating satisfying and delicious meals throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: Slow cooker shredded chicken is a dream come true for busy schedules. Just toss in your ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and walk away! No hovering over the stove or constant checking is needed. This recipe offers a delicious and healthy dinner and saves you precious time, allowing you to get on with your day while your slow cooker does the work.
Fall-apart tender and endlessly versatile: The slow cooker’s low and slow cooking method guarantees juicy, tender chicken that shreds effortlessly. But the beauty goes beyond texture. This recipe acts as a blank canvas for flavor. Use the simple base and seasonings or get creative! Add your favorite sauces, spices, or aromatics to customize the chicken for tacos, soups, salads, or any dish that calls for shredded chicken.
Meal prep magic: This recipe is a meal prep superstar. A single batch of slow cooker shredded chicken can be used throughout the week for a variety of meals. Portion it out for quick lunches, throw it on top of salads, or use it for creative weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Needed

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Zesty Italian dressing
Garlic cloves
Ranch dressing mix
Ground cumin
Chili powder

How to Make Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Creating this slow cooker shredded chicken is as easy as 1-2-3! Simply toss chicken breasts with broth and seasonings in your slow cooker, set it on low for ultimate tenderness, and forget about it for 8 hours. When dinnertime rolls around, shred the chicken directly in the pot, and get ready for an easy dinner! For the full printable recipe, check out the recipe card at the end of this post.

Cooked chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

Spray inside of slow cooker with cooking spray, or line with a slow cooker liner.
Place chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Mix Italian dressing, ranch dressing mix, water, garlic, and spices. Pour evenly over chicken breasts.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.
Remove chicken breasts and cool slightly. Shred chicken with two forks and return to the liquid in the slow cooker.
Serve in tacos, bowls, or in any recipe calling for rotisserie chicken.

Helpful Tips

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are always my go-to, you can also consider thighs for extra flavor and moisture. They can handle the longer cooking time without drying out.
The water adds moisture, but it’s not mandatory. Experiment with salsa, chopped tomatoes, or even chicken broth for a different flavor twist.
Make a double-batch of the chicken and freeze it in individual recipe bags for use later.
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks for easy clean-up. Transferring it to a cutting board gives you more control, but just be careful of the hot juices.
Don’t toss the leftover chicken juices! They’re packed with flavor. Use them to moisten your shredded chicken, add them to soups or stews, or create a flavorful sauce for your pasta.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This is a great option for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Freezer: For longer storage, shred the chicken and place it in freezer-safe containers. The shredded chicken will last for up to 3-4 months in the freezer.

Serving Suggestions

Shredded chicken is incredibly versatile! These are a few ideas for recipes you could use it in.

Think tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and quesadillas. Shredded chicken is the perfect protein base; you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and sauces.
Get inspired by different cuisines! Shredded chicken can be used for lettuce wraps, stir-fries, or curries.
Classic dishes like chicken pot pie or chicken Alfredo pasta work great with shredded chicken.
Shredded chicken and the leftover juices can be added to chicken noodle soup, creamy tortilla soup, or spicy chili.
Crowd-pleasing appetizers like buffalo chicken dip, quesadillas, or mini chicken pot pies are all perfect uses for shredded chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? It’s not recommended. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook and may not reach a safe internal temperature in a slow cooker. Stick with thawed, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best results.
High or Low setting? Low and slow (8 hours) is ideal for the most tender chicken. High (5 hours) works in a pinch, but watch closely to avoid dryness.

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